Dark Masters
by Rizember
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Beta'ed by: [UnBeta'ed]
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Chapter 2: Dark Emotions
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Disclaimer: Own nothing.
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A/N: This fic is For Khairul.
This chapter is for mu149, who unknowingly guilted me into writing up the complete plot for this fic (so about nine chapters, I believe) and typing up this first bit. Enjoy.
Sorry for the delay.
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Naruto was apparently far from the idiot Sasuke thought him to be.
The brunet almost gaped as he watched Naruto absently take the A for their math test and continue staring out the window like it wasn't a big deal. Sasuke briefly wondered if that A was for 'Attendance' or if it was really a result of work correctly done.
Beside Naruto, Hinata was staring at the blond with a look everyone but Naruto could see and Sasuke rolled his eyes. The fool was even more out of it than usual.
He'd been like that lately, the closest thing to a walking vegetable.
Naruto had been disappearing frequently and if Sasuke didn't know better, he'd say Naruto was avoiding him- except that that wouldn't exactly be true.
Naruto showed up next to him all the time when he was in heat and Sasuke would take his hand and take the desire away. It was an unspoken agreement and Sasuke was loathe to admit that it was the closest they had gotten to being civil because it was the only time they didn't fight, insult or make impressive attempts at murder.
The second time it happened, after the first time (referred to as the Bathroom Incident and never ever to be spoken of. Ever.), Sasuke had been in bed reading.
Manda, Gaara and Shukaku were training on the grounds and Naruto had gone missing after their last class. Sasuke almost missed their frequent fights and pranks but it just felt weird to fight with Naruto when he knew that the blond wasn't really into it- he'd tried.
Naruto seemed to be grateful to him for taking away Kyuubi's transferred libido when it had appeared but he didn't seem to know how to act on it. He couldn't thank Sasuke because hell wasn't freezing over any time soon and he couldn't fight Sasuke cause that would make him seem like an ungrateful prat. There was also the fact that Naruto was trying hard to deal with something other than constant anger and desire…something that came as a tidal wave of shock when he'd noticed it.
He didn't hate Sasuke, not really anyway.
Naruto's anger had always been related to the Uchiha. For as long as he could remember, when he'd been angry, Sasuke had been there- usually as both the cause and the solution- and it killed him to know that what lingered when the anger was gone wasn't the usual hatred for Sasuke, but something else. His emotions had been so close together, so intertwined with his fury that he hadn't ever given much thought to them.
Except for the day when Sasuke had taken both his desire and his anger.
Having two of his most acknowledged emotions just Traced away like that, Naruto had waited to fill the usual hate for Sasuke, the usual cloudy thoughts that convinced him that Sasuke's presence was a means to an end he had no desire to be a part of. Naruto knew he was a weapon and that as a weapon; Sasuke was simply the tool that made it possible to use him. He'd always thought that Sasuke was happy with the arrangement, pleased to have something over Naruto and loving the very knowledge that he could pull at the strings of Naruto's emotions and single-handedly break his mind… He'd thought Sasuke enjoyed being able to toy with him, enjoyed the task of keeping the monster in check…
Naruto thought he knew Sasuke.
But apparently, Sasuke wasn't the sadistic bastard Naruto thought him to be.
That day, in the bathroom as Sasuke pressed against him, Naruto had been touched by an overwhelming emptiness and he had known that that was how Sasuke felt.
He'd actually gone to the library after that and read up on Tracers, looking for opinions that were subjective as opposed to the technical gibberish he'd found. When that hadn't helped, he'd simply stolen Sasuke's journal.
That had been enlightening…and scary- especially when Manda caught him. The snake, being a snake, was not above blackmail and decided to keep the information of Naruto's disregard for Sasuke's private property until he felt the need to use it.
But Naruto had found out some very important things.
Sasuke hated being a Tracer, hated being a freak. And he hated Naruto because he had to stay and protect him from his own emotions.
Tracers who used their powers frequently eventually got to a point where it became normal to dissolve emotions or create and control them on a whim- however, this left them constantly destroying their own and by the time they reached the climax of their powers, they were cold-hearted and logical, the perfect assassins. And Sasuke was actually afraid of that. With good reason too, Naruto reasoned, because the bastard was already a cold hearted prick even with his powers mid-level; surely going beyond absolute zero was unachievable…
Naruto wondered if he was the only one being used as a future Anbu tool. When he thought about it, Sasuke despised him for the very reasons that he hated him. They had been thrown together and forced to work toward a life they hadn't chosen.
And when it came down to it, Naruto didn't really hate Sasuke, he simply despised their situation and maybe he hated Sasuke's powers just a bit.
Maybe if they'd been normal people instead of elites, maybe then they would have been normal friends…
Discovering that he didn't loathe Sasuke had taken quite a toll on Naruto as he was left wondering what it was he did feel for the boy. Sasuke was an arrogant, narcissistic know-it-all pretty boy and aside from the fact that he'd suddenly helped Naruto out without any orders from superiors, the blond was sure he was still the same asshole he'd always been. Maybe the empty garden of his heart had somehow grown a conscience. Well, if that was the case, Naruto was pretty sure the garden would go untended. Great, now he was using horticultural metaphors.
Sasuke had always been sadistic…until he'd decided to help Naruto through Kyuubi's stint with puberty. The second time had been somewhat less tense than the first.
Sasuke had been sitting in bed when Naruto had climbed in through the window, looking disheveled and dirty. After a few seconds of eyeing each other as if wondering whether they should pretend they hadn't seen each other, Sasuke sighed.
"Where were you?" he asked calmly, hoping the fool hadn't gone out and raped someone if he was on heat.
"Out," Naruto answered irritably.
"Doing who?"
Blue eyes locked on black with sharp intensity and Sasuke held back the urge to chuckle at the indignation he saw there.
Naruto looked exhausted as he stepped in and walked toward the bathroom. He was limping and Sasuke felt familiar irritation at Naruto's disregard for his own health.
"Who did you get in a fight with?" he asked gruffly, getting out of bed and walking toward Naruto.
The blond simply watched him warily, not moving away as Sasuke took up his arm and did the usual emotion check on him.
To say Sasuke was shocked would have been a grave understatement.
Naruto's desire was a raging bush fire in the Tracer's eyes and he couldn't see any anger there…but there was another thing there, burning low but growing, flames a dull gray. The colour of defeat.
Sasuke's eyes focused on Naruto's and he could now clearly see the way the blond seemed to have submitted to everything.
Sasuke sighed and tugged on Naruto's wrist. "Come on."
That Naruto followed him to his bed without question was further proof of Naruto's depression.
"What happened?"
Naruto shrugged. "Nothing."
"Is it that girl? Shion what's-her-face?"
"Why do you care?"
"I don't."
Naruto sat down beside Sasuke on the brunet's bed, watching him. "What do you want then?"
Sasuke dismissed that and went about removing the defeat before taking care of the desire.
"Why are you helping me?" Naruto asked with barely masked surprise when Sasuke let go of his hand. He felt much better now and barely thought about how he'd found the girl he'd gone to profess his love to happily impaling herself on some other guy's cock. He'd left quietly, ignoring her cries of pleasure and instructions such as 'harder', 'faster' and 'put the kettle on'… Okay, maybe the last one was from some other house but they still all merged in his mind. He'd gone to the farthest training fields and nearly trained himself into oblivion, continuing to maneuver past invisible attackers and shooting arrows at posts until he'd felt Kyuubi go into heat again.
And even then, he'd continued to train. He was hopeful that somehow, his case of blue-balls would lead to a coronary explosion and he could die a dramatic and gruesome death.
But then, he figured Shion would have the pleasure of being the innocent civilian who cried at his funeral.
Gosh, he hated her. And it hurt.
Now that he thought about it, he couldn't believe he'd actually been bothering to try courting her. Kyuubi had been right, she really was a whore.
Shaking his head at the miracle that was Kyuubi being right, Naruto faced Sasuke and said the dreaded words, "So, how was your day?"
Sasuke snorted and leaned back against his pillows, not answering.
Naruto nodded to himself. Stupid of him, really, to try actually talking with Sasuke…
They had never gotten along and chances were, they never would.
He was about to leave when a hand shot out and grabbed his.
"My day was full of idiots who need me to babysit them. And I got detention for punching Hyuuga."
"You punched Hinata?"
Sasuke scowled at him. "I punched Neji, you moron."
It took Sasuke a while to realize Naruto was holding back laughter and he rolled his eyes.
Naruto sighed and went about explaining how he'd walked in on Shion pleasuring herself with some other guy. "I had no idea there were dicks that ugly."
Sasuke chuckled, not sure if Naruto was making stuff up and trying to make himself feel better or if the guy's prick actually was the size of a small, deformed gherkin.
The words came easier after that and in a weird way, it was like they were actually friends.
It felt good.
They started to hang out without feeling the usual pressures of duty but they didn't fight. Their souls seemed pleased and Gaara was glad the two idiots had finally seen the light. Whenever Naruto had a sexual craving, Sasuke took it away and they'd end up talking throughout the night, sometimes even forcibly dragging Gaara into the conversation even though all he did was grunt and pass insulting commentary. But it was okay, they didn't mind.
So it was strange that Naruto was going reclusive again and hadn't been to him for their almost daily Kyuubi-is-a-stupid-wanker-so-take-this-away' sessions for almost a week.
Sasuke watched Hinata place her hand on Naruto's and whisper something in his ear. The blond actually blushed before clearing his throat, muttering something in return and turning back to face the window.
Had Hinata just confessed her feelings?
Sasuke smirked.
As much as he couldn't stand the girl's obnoxious cousin, he actually liked Hinata. She was smart, sarcastic and one of the few girls who seemed immune to his charm and devilish good looks.
Neji however, was a prick.
He'd once propositioned Sasuke and the Uchiha had simply ignored him. He supposed that was probably where all the animosity was from- unrequited shags.
The bell rang and Sasuke got up, determined to corner the blond and demand answers. He walked out with Gaara and found Hinata at the door with Kiba and Naruto, apparently waiting for them.
"Hey Sasuke," Hinata greeted.
Sasuke nodded at her and Kiba snorted. "Can't speak Uchiha?"
"Play nice," Naruto instructed, as if talking to toddlers before he faced Sasuke. "We're going to catch a movie this afternoon. You're coming, too."
"I'm sorry," Sasuke smirked. "Did you just order me out on a date?"
"Yes," Naruto answered easily, smiling easily. "And we can all have an orgy afterwards."
"No crossing swords," Gaara said, shrugging. "And Kiba, you can't kiss me."
Kiba sputtered indignantly. "The hell-"
"I've seen the way you look at me," Gaara stated simply before walking away with Kiba following and yelling about his straightness.
Hinata chuckled and looked back and forth between Sasuke and Naruto. "Erm, should I invite more girls? Orgies can't be fun with just me."
Naruto laughed, running a hand through his hair. "Nah, it's cool. All we'll have to do is drop our pants and watch Kiba run for the hills."
"So…you're coming Sasuke?" Hinata asked.
"I'm not sure whether to innocently consider that question or read into the innuendo…"
Hinata rolled her eyes. "Will you be present for the movie and dinner after?"
Sasuke shrugged. "Well, I was going to stare lovingly at myself for a few hours but I suppose I could let you guys have that honour."
Naruto muttered something about narcissistic bastards and Hinata grinned at Sasuke. "You've really changed."
He blinked. "What?"
She shook her head. "It's an improvement. You're…more fun. I'll see you guys later."
As Hinata walked away, Sasuke stood with Naruto, watching her go.
"Did she just accuse me of fun?"
"Did her ass always look like that?"
"Are you staring at her ass?"
"Aren't you?"
Sasuke smacked Naruto upside his head and they followed Gaara and Kiba.
"So, why've you been avoiding me?" Sasuke asked without preamble.
Naruto snorted. "It's not all about you, princess. Besides, I haven't been avoiding you; I've just been sneaking out for dates."
"With Hinata?"
Naruto nodded.
"And are her shagging skills so horrible that you walk around like a zombie after?"
Naruto choked. "Hey! Okay first, I haven't shagged her-"
"Yet."
"-and second, I have not been walking around like a zombie."
Sasuke seemed thoughtful. "I was sure I'd taken away all your Shion-obsessed emotions. Are you rebounding using Hinata?"
"No."
"Are you having sex elsewhere?"
"What? No!"
"Wanking?"
"Fuck off."
Sasuke regarded Naruto for a moment before smirking slowly. "You've never…"
"What?" Naruto asked irritably.
"Had sex."
The blond menace, who was quite comfortable walking around declaring his sexy awesomeness and flashing girls, had never had sex before. Well, either that or he was blushing profusely simply because Sasuke was daring to doubt his mad skills.
"How is that any of your business?"
"How are you still a virgin?"
Naruto ignored Sasuke and smiled at Neji in passing who smiled back before shooting a glare at Sasuke.
"Neji still hates you?" Naruto asked.
"Neji still hates me."
They got to their room and dropped their bags when the door was thrown open.
Shukaku came in and jumped onto Naruto's bed, yawning.
"Principal wants you three."
Naruto sighed and left Kyuubi tackling Shukaku. Gaara and Sasuke followed.
They found Principal Tsunade pacing in her office.
The tall blond had sharp brown eyes and looked twenty years younger than her alleged 50 years of age. Naruto was pretty sure she was pushing seventy.
They entered and stood in front of her, still and expressionless.
She sighed suddenly and sat down.
"I take it you've heard about the attacks," she started, all business.
They nodded.
She frowned. "I'm sorry to make you do this but it's imperative that you stop them."
"What do we have to do?" Sasuke asked.
"There's been a pattern in the attacks. At first, we thought they'd been going after police because of some vendetta against the force but it turns out they were just experimenting with that.
They're now going after civilians. Three from the same street. All upper class, but no nobles amoung them.
A man was attacked last night coming from seeing his paramour-"
The three hid chuckles as Tsunade seemed to have chosen that word carefully.
"- along Greene Avenue. He seemed to have been ridiculously unconcerned about the curfew but given the girl's family, it's understandable that he would not be welcome to spend the night."
There, Tsunade shot Naruto a glance that he countered blankly.
"You know of her, Naruto. Her family had actually been to see me, asking if I would allow you to begin the courting process."
Naruto paled. "You're kidding."
Tsunade shook her head, hiding a small smile.
Tsunade was Naruto's last living relative, his father's aunt. She was strict, violent and prone to gambling but when it came to him, she added unbelievably protective to that list.
And presently, her smug smile showed that someone she didn't like had either died or been dealt death's equivalent.
Tsunade failed to keep the smirk from her face as she continued. "A certain Shion Pris, a harlot from that street had let him out after a bout of rambunctious activity and had seen him get his ass handed to him the moment he got to the street. She started screaming for help and well…when it finally arrived, evidence of their activities was brought to light."
Tsunade sighed dramatically. "As your courtship representative, I must say I am thoroughly disappointed in her and am pleased she has been stripped from her social standing and sent to a nunnery. As your grandmother, I am happy to say the bitch got what she deserved and good riddance. You really dodged a bullet there."
Naruto stared, wide-eyed at Tsunade, holding back his laughter.
Sasuke and Gaara were both sporting smirks though Naruto could see they weren't exactly amused at his expense.
It was probably just the fact that Kyuubi had been right.
Naruto knew that if he hadn't had his feelings for Shion removed by Sasuke, he'd probably still be a wreck. Tsunade had never liked Shion and even if it meant breaking her grandson's heart, she'd have gladly had the girl assassinated because she thought it would be the best thing for Naruto. She was protective like that.
But now that Naruto didn't care, Tsunade seemed doubly pleased and vindictive about the whole thing.
"I'll have the Konoha Times publish a piece on fidelity, morals and Shion's lack of both by morning."
Sasuke cleared his throat and Tsunade coughed, her eyes losing the pleased sheen of vengeance as she got back to business.
"Yes well, as I was saying, the pattern has been established and the most likely to be attacked next is the family of one Fuuka Seito. All the families have a teenage daughter and are in a class close to Nobility. I suggest you hide out there and stop the attack. Also," she added thoughtfully. "Catch the attackers if possible but do not engage them unless directly attacked. I would rather you run away like little girls actually."
"Why?"
Tsunade scowled at Gaara.
"They can sever the bonds we have to our souls and kill us. They leave behind a broken half of a soul that inevitably, will go mad searching for its master. I would rather have you all alive and in one piece."
"In our condition?" Gaara asked.
Tsunade smirked. "I'm sure your puberty can be overcome while you're in a life-threatening situation." She turned to Naruto. "I do hope you won't try to rape the attackers though."
"Ha-bloody-ha."
Tsunade just waved her hand, dismissing them.
"Remember boys," she said as they reached the door. "Not a sword of this to anyone."
They didn't need reminding. They never did.
(I am an amazing page break. Bow before my awesomeness)
"Aren't you guys done?" Hinata asked, pacing impatiently. "Seriously, I'm a girl and I was done an hour ago!"
Gaara was lounging on the bed with a book in hand while Kiba passed the time by glaring at him.
Naruto and Sasuke could be heard arguing in the bathroom about mirror space.
Finally, Naruto emerged from the bathroom, looking amazing and knowing it. He winked at Hinata and she blushed, clearing her throat and frowning. "What took you so long?"
Naruto gave her a sharp glance. "Are you serious? Looking this sexy takes hours of preparation and yet, I managed it in only one."
Hinata rolled her eyes as Sasuke appeared behind Naruto, shoving him out of the way.
"Oi!"
"You were in the way."
Hinata sighed and led the way out, with Kiba scrambling after her and the other three boys trailing behind.
"I feel like I'm going to be murdered soon," Hinata whispered uneasily as she noticed all the evil stares she was getting from girls as they walked into town.
"Why?" Sasuke asked, looking about them as if ready to strike any attackers. Naruto gave him a funny look and he shrugged.
"All the girls keep glaring at me," Hinata whispered, edging closer to Naruto.
"How can they not?" Naruto asked, incredulous. "You're hot."
Hinata blushed and looked away.
Kiba frowned and Sasuke gagged. Gaara smirked and went to pay for their tickets.
When he came back, he ordered Naruto to go get the snacks with Hinata.
In the theatre, as Hinata tried to find her seat, a guy ran past her, slamming her into the wall as he rushed out.
Sasuke calmly held Naruto back before he could go kill the guy while Kiba checked to make sure Hinata was alright.
She smiled, "Yeah, I'm okay."
He touched her wrist and she winced, pulling it away.
"I'll take care of it later."
"You sure?" Sasuke asked, still holding onto an irate Naruto.
She nodded, Hinata shrugged. "Sometimes me and Sakura help out nurse Shizune in the infirmary. We're usually there till late at night so I'll have time to look at it later."
After more assurance, they took their seats and watched the movie- Avatar- which they gave varying reviews after.
"It was retarded!" Naruto insisted. "I'm not gonna fall in love with some alien chick just because I'm in an alien body. That just doesn't happen!"
"I don't think that was the point the director was trying to put across," Sasuke said, as they walked out, headed for a restaurant for dinner.
"I think it was romantic," Hinata said pleasantly. "People from different worlds coming together and falling in love."
Kiba snorted. "No way! Let's say you get me into the body of a… cockroach for some reason or other. I'm not going to go nuts over the first roach girl to come my way and go 'hey roachie-mama, let's save the world'."
Gaara chuckled. "I think you would."
"I have standards."
"You do?"
"Screw you."
"I'm your standard?"
Kiba growled as Hinata laughed, patting his back soothingly.
It was almost nine at night and they'd all be expected back at the academy by ten.
They ordered their dinner and the waiter put their plates in the wrong places.
Kiba took a bite from Hinata's plate- which was what he'd ordered as she reached across the table for a slice of Naruto's pizza- which was supposedly hers. Sasuke and Gaara simply switched plates of rice with chicken masala and spaghetti bolognaise while everyone else seemed perfectly at ease, eating from each other's plates.
Sasuke ordered a bottle of grape juice and when they all had glasses, he raised it.
"I'd like to propose a toast to Naruto…who got an A in math."
Naruto sputtered and glared at the Uchiha, making murder gestures with a blunt butter knife.
The others toasted.
Hinata laughed. "I knew I was an awesome tutor."
Naruto snorted. "Not as awesome as me."
"You said you were going on dates with her," Sasuke accused even as Hinata blushed.
"Study dates?" Naruto tried innocently.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
"Okay, I lied," Naruto replied calmly, like Sasuke should have known better. "I was helping her with her history assignments and she'd help me with math."
"Hn. Knew you weren't getting any."
"Sasuke!" Hinata shouted, embarrassed.
He just smirked. "Sorry Hinata."
She muttered stuff under her breath and ducked her head.
Sasuke was about to ask her what she was saying when his phone rang.
He looked at it and sighed, standing.
"Sorry Hinata, Kiba… We gotta go."
"We?"
Naruto and Gaara stood.
"Yeah," Naruto winked. "Playing robin hood again tonight."
Hinata rolled her eyes but waved them off. "See you at school then."
They nodded and walked away, leaving Hinata with a suddenly quiet Kiba.
(I am a fishy page break. I can swim)
Naruto was impatient. He hated waiting.
Why couldn't the attackers just do what they were there for and attack.
Gaara and Sasuke were in front of him, keeping to the shadows as they watched the street below them. Their demons were watching from the building across, ready to offer help if it was needed.
Suddenly, there was movement.
An old man from the Seito family was walking home, obviously drunk.
Naruto snorted quietly. Maybe the fools wouldn't get attacked so much if they just followed curfew laws and stayed inside. But no, the old drunk apparently didn't think a little thing like death should stop him from having a good time.
Naruto wondered if he should just let the man get killed. Maybe he could transcend death and enjoy a beer in his version of the afterlife.
They could hear more movement and they all crept lower, hoping to take the assailant by surprise.
Two hooded figures moved out from the darkness and blocked the man's path.
"Good evening Mister Seito," one bowed. It was a man's voice, low and polite.
Seito bowed back clumsily and whispered loudly. "You shouldn't be out here. It's dangerous."
The figures nodded and moved toward him.
"We will escort you home then."
Sasuke huffed impatiently. Just another pair of people who were out when they shouldn't be.
"B-but," Seito stuttered. "I don't know who you are."
Sasuke and Gaara stiffened while Naruto buzzed with excitement.
Sasuke didn't have to turn to know that Naruto's eyes had changed colour and were now a bright red. He didn't have to turn to know the bloodlust he'd see there or the killing intent. He could feel it from where he was.
And he was drawn to it.
The people grabbed Seito and started to pull him into an alley.
Gaara turned to Naruto. "Go."
Naruto nodded and leaped off the building, landing gracefully in front of the three people. The hooded figures both let go of Seito while one stepped toward Naruto.
"This isn't your concern. Go home."
Naruto snorted, claws forming from his fingers as he rushed forward.
He was fast and the man ducked in time, avoiding a blow to the head that would have probably knocked him unconscious.
He backed away and Naruto moved forward, grabbing his arm and throwing him against the wall. From the corner of his eye, he saw Sasuke land next to the other person and pull out a sword which was quickly countered with another one as the other figure also seemed to have one on hand.
Seito was cowering by Gaara, who was watching the scene intently but not interfering.
Naruto saw a glint of silver as his opponent tried to grab a dagger from his belt and he snatched at his hand, grabbing his wrist and twisting till he let go.
The man growled and charged at Naruto who easily moved out of the way just in time to see a third hooded person enter the alley and underhandedly throw a pair of daggers at Sasuke's back.
Naruto moved without thinking, kicking his opponent away and vanishing, appearing behind Sasuke in time for the knives to dig into his back.
He fell forward and heard three sets of feet land on the concrete next to him. Their demons, he assumed. He could smell them.
The attackers whispered frantically and the next moment, they were gone.
Sasuke turned, swearing when he saw Naruto. He fell to his knees and held Naruto closer to him, tearing at his shirt to expose the wounds. Naruto winced at the movement, wondering why his whole body was so tired.
Kyuubi went mad at the sight of Naruto's blood, trying to grab his master from Sasuke even though he too was in pain.
Shukaku moved swiftly, knocking Kyuubi unconscious as he was practically useless in a panicked, raging state.
Manda bent down next to Sasuke and swiftly removed the daggers, handing them to Gaara who pulled out a handkerchief and took them.
Gaara moved closer, Seito still by his side but now, whimpering almost quietly. The redhead then turned around, eyes darting in every direction as he pulled out two rapiers from the holsters by his side and held one in each hand. Anyone even thinking about coming to hurt them would die swiftly and without knowledge that they were in fact, dead.
Naruto's speed in hand-to-hand combat was matched only by Sasuke's speed with his sword-kutsaragi- and Gaara's with his rapiers, which he used to thrust into any object with a pulse and pull out of the then dead object. He never needed to strike twice.
Manda reached into a pouch and pulled out a bottle of gin, giving it to Naruto, who smiled gratefully and took a huge gulp before coughing violently.
"The daggers were poisoned," Manda said quietly, glad his master seemed so calm even though he could feel the war of emotions in him. "I'll have to extract the poison quickly."
Sasuke nodded and tightened his grip on Naruto even as Manda pulled out a small case and opened it to reveal a dozen needles.
Sasuke winced as Naruto took another gulp and Manda stuck the needles in his back.
Blood flowed in fast trickles as the needles were pushed in and Naruto flinched, gritting his teeth so he wouldn't move so much. He was feeling lightheaded from both the poison and the alcohol.
"Why did you jump in front of them?" Sasuke hissed angrily, sounding a lot like Manda.
Naruto chuckled lightly. "Because I could?
I'm fast. I got there in time didn't I?"
"You're a fool."
"I saved your life."
"Why?"
Naruto's head hurt and the blood was flowing freely from his wounds. He shook his head.
"I'm not sure," his words were slightly slurred. "I guess I just don't want you to die."
"Hn."
The snake pulled out the needles and pressed his hands to the wounds. They glowed an eerie red as he healed the flesh torn there.
Naruto hated when Manda healed him. His hands were always so cold. Would it kill him to wear gloves so he could be warm when Naruto inevitably got hurt?
"Sasuke?"
Sasuke shushed him, motioning to Manda to continue his aid. "Don't shush me woman!" Naruto hissed and Sasuke scowled, briefly entertaining the thought of letting the moron die as revenge for calling him a woman.
"You and Gaara…" Naruto continued, unperturbed by Sasuke's brief killing intent. "I don't hate you guys."
Gaara glanced briefly at Naruto before turning back to stand guard, his grip on his rapiers even tighter than before.
"Well, actually, I do...a little. You're both sadistic turds but I don't really hate you, y'know? You two are actually…"
"Shut up, would you?" Sasuke stated irritably. "We're trying to heal you."
Naruto huffed. "Asshole."
Sasuke was pleased to note that the blond was planning to be silent and cooperate so they could-
"You two are my best friends."
Sasuke almost let go of him. Steadying himself and noting the way Gaara's back stiffened, it was safe to say that that was by far the most awkward moment they had ever had as a team.
"Er…" he replied after a few minutes.
Manda was smirking but still healing Naruto and Kyuubi was still unconscious in Shukaku's arms. Shukaku was also sporting a similar smirk and Sasuke wondered if Gaara would be helpful and smack them both seeing as how his hands were full.
"I know you hate me," Naruto sighed loudly. "But that's okay…I hate me, too."
Sasuke rolled his eyes at that. The boy had obviously lost a lot of blood.
"When I die, you'll both be free," Naruto smiled softly, as if the thought of their freedom at his death was truly the greatest thing in his stupid, blond head. "You should let me die here."
"Idiot," Sasuke hissed, gripping Naruto tighter than he should have. "We're saving your sorry ass so you should at least be grateful."
Naruto pouted and it looked silly with his eyes closed.
Gaara chuckled from where he stood and cleared his throat. "Naruto, we don't hate you… as much as we should."
Sasuke would have yelled at the redhead for daring to speak for him except that it was true. He didn't hate Naruto, much. Okay, so not really. But even begrudging friendships had to develop from situations like theirs. And the very fact that Gaara had bothered to reassure the delirious fool proved that they were at least friends.
Naruto smiled softly, as if aware of that fact. "I love you guys, no homo."
Sasuke chuckled and heard Gaara choke back a laugh.
"Almost done," Manda announced and Sasuke could see the wound healing faster.
"This is the best blackmail material ever," Shukaku stated.
"The injured cannot be held accountable for what they say," Manda stated reproachfully.
Sasuke smirked at his soul. "Doesn't mean we can't laugh about it."
"Privately," Gaara agreed. "We'll laugh at him privately so he doesn't feel stupid."
"Aw, that's no fun," Shukaku protested.
"You are all despicable human beings," Manda sniffed imperiously.
"I don't care," Shukaku snorted. "I'm not even human."
They managed to get back to the school without incident and took Naruto to the nurse's office. Sakura was bandaging Hinata's wrist and they looked up at the commotion. Both Sakura and Hinata rushed to them, asking what happened.
"We were ambushed," Sasuke explained briefly.
Sakura's eyes widened and she quickly sent her demon puma, Reiki, to go get the nurse.
Shizune rushed in after Reiki and glanced at Naruto immediately, moving forward to check his vitals after seeing that his wound had been properly healed by Manda.
Duran was fast asleep on one of the cots, in his wolf form.
"Tired?" Shukaku asked, looking at Duran after dumping Kyuubi in one of the cots and letting Hinata check him.
Hinata snorted, "Lazy. He was out training with Shikamaru's demon so I really doubt that he overexerted himself."
"What happened to your hand?" Sasuke asked, seeing her bandaged wrist.
Hinata shrugged. "That guy from the movies. It hurt so I asked Shizune to look at it. She said it's sprained."
Sasuke nodded, telling himself he should have just let Naruto kill the guy.
For some reason though, the thought of Naruto protecting Hinata made him feel something he hadn't in a long time. Jealousy.
Shifting uncomfortably, he stared at Hinata as she helped Shizune check Naruto.
Was it possible that he liked Hinata?
He frowned slightly. That would be a betrayal to Naruto and given their new status of friendship, he couldn't do that.
Whatever he was feeling for Hinata, he'd have to remove.
Settling in a chair nearby, he swiftly searched his own mind and removed the green shards of jealousy that were embedded there.
"You healed him?" Shizune asked, failing to keep the astonished tone from creeping into her voice. The animosity between the three was well known. Everyone thought that if ever one of them got injured in battle, the others would just take their time and watch them die.
Well, a short while ago, they probably would have.
Gaara nodded and Shizune smiled lightly. "Well, you did a great job. He's perfectly fine. Kyuubi however, is drunk off his mind -even though Naruto was the one who'd been drinking- and will need to sleep it off. They should both rest here for the night and I'll make sure they're properly taken care of."
Naruto pouted. "I don't want to stay here."
Shizune shot him an amused look. "Too bad."
"Can the others stay too?"
Gaara snorted. "Why would we stay?"
Naruto sighed and Gaara huffed, relenting.
Shizune chuckled as she walked away. "Alright. I'll let you stay the night but no noise or I'll give you all rabies shots."
They nodded and Gaara and Shukaku immediately took a pair of spare beds across Naruto and Kyuubi's and promptly fell asleep.
Hinata shook her head at them and woke Duran.
"Time to go."
Duran nodded sleepily and leapt off the bed before yelping. Hinata winced and grabbed her wrist.
Duran had the good grace to look sheepish before limping after her. Sasuke briefly wondered why Duran preferred his animal form but didn't question it. It was none of his business anyway.
Kyuubi had blacked out on his bed and Manda had left, having escaped to sleep in the comfort of his own bed.
Sakura turned down the lights and smiled. "Good night guys."
Sasuke nodded at her and Naruto waved.
She shut the door behind her, leaving Naruto and Sasuke in darkness. Sasuke sighed, getting up.
"Are you leaving?"
The Uchiha looked over at Naruto, able to make out his form by the moonlight streaming in from the windows.
"No," he answered.
He thought he heard Naruto sigh as the blond settled into his bed.
After a moment's thought, Sasuke moved to get into the bed beside Naruto's. He was halted by a warm hand grabbing his. Even in the darkness, he could see the soft blush on the blond's face.
"Thank you, for everything."
Sasuke nodded, his blood warming and he gently squeezed Naruto's hand, "Idiot."
Naruto chuckled softly but didn't let go of Sasuke's hand.
Sasuke sighed and got into the blankets with one hand, facing Naruto and their hands that were still joined.
"Sasuke…?" Naruto whispered.
"Hm?"
"I'm glad you're okay."
Sasuke scowled at him. "If you ever get hurt for me again, I will kill you myself."
"Gaara won't let you."
Sasuke rolled his eyes.
"Sasuke?"
"Go to sleep, dammit."
"I don't hate you."
"I know."
"And I'm glad you don't hate me."
"Please shut up."
"And…I think I actually like you," Naruto yawned.
Sasuke tensed. "Sleep."
"You and Gaara are my best friends."
Sasuke would have laughed if he hadn't felt Naruto's hand slip from his as the blond finally fell asleep.
Best friends?
When he thought about it, it almost made sense in a weird, twisted, sadistic sort of way. They'd always been together.
They'd been in the same team, wishing cruel, gruesome deaths on each other for as long as he could remember and now they were best friends? Well…
It's about time.
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A/N: hello all. Before I am pelted with an assortment of weapons and objects, may I just say that I was…uh…busy? Hehe, anyway, I have this whole story written down, properly now in my notebook and will update weekly now that I'm on vacation for a month (uni's out till July! Yes!)
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Review Reply
Grim D. Lux: I love that book and the movies! Northern Lights was a whole other kind of special. Very creative. Thank you, my page breaks love you too XD
Piratepenguin666: Ah yes, nachos…I'm glad you like it. I hope this chapter was alright and that you enjoyed it too. Hehe *runs hand through hair* awkward parts…? Sorry about the OOC Hinata, I can never write her in character, I just fail at that I guess. But then, her stuttering kills me and I'm pretty sure she's strong and awesome underneath the Naruto obsession.
Yo: Thanks :) Will do
Lazy Gaga: Yay! I love reviews! Keep it up, lol. Thanks so much.
Jukori: Thanks, sorry I took so long… Try the buttons again. I swear they work.
Soxmix: No, no…I edited it and changed most of what I figured I didn't like. Sorry if I confused you or something but I'm glad you like the changes (at least, I hope you like the changes) I will continue regularly (now, hehe) Destined's next chapter was out sometime after you reviewed this though so I can say I did that but I'm still writing the next chapter of Destined write now so…no worries there. My magical calendar is now declared OPEN! Except for y'know, when I close it :P
KhairulJBlack: Hey stranger. I hope this fic is going alright and that you don't mind the changes. It is for you after all, so lemme know. Lol, you're welcome. Sorry I took ages though but I'm writing the other chapters too so I should be done pretty soon, under ten chapters or so. Oi! I'm not dead!
TheNaruFreak: Thanks, haha, figures you're a pervert at heart ;)
Sasalia32: It's supposed to *grins* it was inspired by the golden compass….
Lunarious1000: yeah, someone (we definitely won't say who) tends to put way too much on her plate… Maybe I should go on a fanfic diet…
Unknown: Thanks…
Ilvecoffee-n-narutoYOUTH: yeah…definitely high… *runs away*
Emerald Gaze: Foolproof huh? Nah, I think there are some fools I didn't account for, lol. Sorry about Manda's colour, I just er… *has no excuse* I'll change it. *pouts* I shall write more so I can read more reviews! YEAH!
Rozzihearts: Yay, thanks
Taylor: *bows* thankyou. I will.
BookHippie: Say more *pouts* lol
ShutUpAndScream: It is based on His Dark Materials! Confusing? Where? Where?
Chibi-Daisuke-Chan: Cookies! Hehe, kept you waiting long huh?
iHasWritersBlock: Thanks so much, I do hope so… Thanks again XD
Unsigned anonymous person type thing: I'm sorry you feel that way. If you could explain more as to why you're sad I wrote it, then I'd maybe understand what I can do to make it right?
Vitan: I removed the steamy scene! In your face! Bwahahahahahahaaaa! *gets smacked* okay, am sowi :3 The Four Seasons is in my notebook if you want it *evil laugh activate*
Ugottalongway2go: Dammit! Why am I confusing you! Am sorry! *goes to jump off cliff*
JellyfishZombie: Yeah, Golden compass. So many titles.Eew, babies? Don't those things just eat, poop and sleep *sighs* I wish I was a baby…
Dragon77: Sorry I took so long. Forgive me. Thanks though, I hope it still seems promising.
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